11 Storybook Towns In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's enchanting beauty persists through the four seasons due to its diversely bucolic landscapes, from rugged mountains and dense forests to deep gorges and winding rivers. But the state's charm goes beyond the God-given scenery; its colorful history, vibrant culture, and friendly people resonate with tourists. Unlike big cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the small towns are the true lifeblood of the Keystone. Together, they tell a fascinating story of the state's history and evolution, showcasing an intimate side that few experience.
From the Civil War battlefields in Gettysburg to the pristine Poconos wilderness in Jim Thorpe, these charismatic towns in Pennsylvania delight not only with the natural scenery but also with fascinating personalities.
Hershey
Nicknamed the "Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey lives up to its billing by hosting the Hershey Chocolate Company, making it a popular destination for tourists with a sweet tooth. Hershey's Chocolate provides guests with the perfect reception, taking them through the process of creating America's best chocolate brand, with magical tour rides and sumptuous tasting sessions on the menu. Meanwhile, the Hershey Story Museum details the evolution of the company since it was conceived as an ideal by Milton S. Hershey. It displays rare and unique exhibits portraying Milton's childhood and the failures and successes he faced in his quest to create Hershey's.
At the Hershey Theatre, families can take a break from the sugar rush by watching entertaining Broadway shows and kids' dances in an intimate, 1,900-seater venue. The stage hosts a variety of touring acts from around the country, providing top-tier talent for an unforgettable performance.
New Hope
This adorable town in eastern Pennsylvania charms travelers with an idyllic riverside setting, which complements its stunning nature areas and vibrant arts scene. The New Hope Railroad Tour invites sightseers to admire the region's allure during a nonchalant 18-mile journey through the community's core and its outskirts, exposing the rolling hills and valleys in the Bucks County countryside. Arts and culture are at the heart of the New Hope populace, with enthusiasts gathering at the historic Bucks County Playhouse to support local artists. The former grist mill dates back to the 18th century and sits next to the Delaware River, hosting everything from dramas and concerts to children's shows.
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve perfectly embodies the cute patches of nature that dot New Hope. This serene 134-acre sanctuary harbors quiet walkways through a colorful mix of shrubs, hubs, wildflowers, and other plants, representing over 700 native species of Pennsylvania.
Gettysburg
Gettysburg is celebrated as one of the most historically significant towns in Pennsylvania and the country at large, famous for hosting the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Tourists come for the immersive American history lesson at the Gettysburg National Military Park, which preserves the original site of the Battle of Gettysburg. The venue hosts a lovely museum with interactive Civil War exhibits and original artifacts dedicated to the conflict.
Downtown Gettysburg is awash with landmarks and sites from the earlier years, including the Dobbin House Tavern. Built in 1776, this building is as old as America and the town's oldest structure, yet it continues serving delicious soups, wines, and main dishes in a romantic, rustic setting. Also, stop by the David Wills House to learn about the wake of the Civil War and Lincoln's iconic Gettysburg Address. The 1810s home features a seven-gallery museum with a hoard of related archives.
Mount Holly Springs
Situated about 25 miles north of Gettysburg, this out-of-the-way village in Cumberland County boasts rich natural surroundings, flanked by the dense woodlands of the Michaux State Forest and picturesque peaks of the Southern Mountain. This means outdoor opportunities abound inside the 900-acre Mount Holly Marsh Preserve. Its rugged, rocky terrain and thick forest hide secluded nature trails are perfect for hikers and backpackers. Alternatively, you can get your angling gear from Precision Fly Fishing & Tackle and pick a nice spot along Mountain Creek for a laid-back fly fishing session.
Mount Holly Springs is also recognized for its delicious farm-to-table cuisine, and newcomers are invited to sample fresh local flavors at Cassell's Grille. This casual diner, with indoor and outdoor dining spaces, serves trademark American grub like sweet potato fries and chicken sandwiches.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe iconically gets its name from the first Native American athlete to win Olympics gold and is known for its dreamy outdoor scenery and rich cultural heritage. Set in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, the town offers exciting sightseeing adventures, especially when you ride the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. This 70-minute trip into Lehigh Gorge State Park reveals mountainous forests, deep gorges, dramatic cliffs, and other spectacular natural landscapes of the Poconos region.
Culture connoisseurs can explore Jim Thorpe's captivating heritage at the Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center. The Victorian building displays cultural, historical, and industrial artifacts highlighting the community's chronology, including the inspiring story of the athlete Jim Thorpe. If you fancy an absorbing live performance, you can stop by the legendary Mauch Chunk Opera House for the perfect musical infusion of the new and the old inside an 1800s establishment.
Doylestown
Unlike neighboring Philadelphia, Doylestown has a relaxed, small-town atmosphere and a famed downtown skyline with architectural masterpieces. The district is known for the Mercer Mile, which features three historic buildings designed by archeologist and amateur architect Henry Chapman Mercer. These include the Fonthill Castle, Mercer Museum, and Moravian Pottery & tile Works Museum, all built between the mid-1800s and early 1900s with unmatched opulence. They once provided a home for Chapman and currently store an array of artifacts, archives, and relics documenting his life and work.
At the Michener Art Museum, guests are cultured by a vast stockpile of American art, featuring Pennsylvania's impressionist paintings. Meanwhile, fans of the dark and mysterious can indulge their guilty pleasure inside the VAMPA Vampire & Paranormal Museum, whose quirky exhibits include killing sets, occult equipment, talking boards, and other paranormal items.
State College
The most famous college town in Pennsylvania, State College, exudes youthful exuberance with its lively arts community and vibrant bar and restaurant scene. It is home to Penn State, which has upgraded local arts and culture with the Palmer Art Museum. This state-of-the-art facility exhibits at least 11,000 pieces of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other art forms, which is the largest collection between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The young population is always looking to have a good, and you can join the bandwagon at Antifragile Brewing Company for great-tasting craft beers in an upbeat atmosphere.
Also, don't leave without experiencing the craze of a college football match and polarizing stadium setting at Beaver Stadium, home of Penn State Nittany Lions. The 106,000-capacity arena is the second largest in the Western Hemisphere.
Lititz
Lititz was founded in the mid-18th century by Moravians and harbors a remarkable historical heritage. A town of many firsts, it is home to one of the country's oldest Fourth of July celebrations and the oldest girl's boarding school, which you can visit at the Linden Hall School for girls. This captivating history comes alive at the Lititz Historical Foundation through well-preserved artifacts and memorabilia. Guests can also take tours of notable related landmarks in the town, such as the 1740s Johannes Mueller House.
Your trip isn't complete without stopping by the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, America's oldest pretzel bakery, for a taste of the luscious snack. The 19th-century structure hosts exciting tours where guests can learn the proper way to fold a pretzel.
Brookville
This quiet community of Jefferson County boasts a preserved historic district with several vintage buildings, surrounded by a lushly forested backcountry. At the Jefferson County History Center, you will learn that Brookville was founded in 1830 and sort piles of documents, old photographs, relics, and other artifacts about regional history dating back to prehistoric times. Car enthusiasts will be interested in examining the vintage collection of over 70 Cadillacs at the Greenberg Cadillac Museum. It is the largest Cadillac fleet on display in America and features models from the early 1900s and later.
Elsewhere, you can breach the urban square for quality time in the great outdoors at Scripture Rocks Heritage Park. This isolated nature space is unique for dozens of age-old boulders engraved with scripture from more than a century ago.
Saltsburg
Saltsburg is a hidden gem in western Pennsylvania with a history steeped in salt mining, hence the name. Established in the 18th century, it preserves a fine selection of historic buildings, such as the Rebecca B. Hadden Stone House Museum. A tour of the home transports guests back to the 1830s, as period furnishings, historical records, and artifacts provide a window into the past. Miles of trails run through the area, inviting hikers and bikers to step out and explore the outdoors. The West Penn Trail is an excellent option stretching 17 miles along the scenic Conemaugh River that delights with pleasant water and forest views.
Additionally, the Loyalhanna Reservoir provides a serene escape to simply relax and enjoy nature. The 480-acre lake promises a range of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking on its grassy shores.
Benton
Benton is the perfect escape from busy city life, providing a quiet natural haven with endless opportunities to immerse in its great outdoors. It is notably home to Ricketts Glen State Park, a 13,000-acre playground for hikers, anglers, campers, and other adventurers. The reserve's scenic allure is punctuated by at least 20 stunning waterfalls and 26 miles of pristine wooded trails. A drive around town and its fantastic countryside will bring you to the postcard-worthy Jud Christian Covered Bridge. This historic landmark, built in 1876, stretches 63 feet across Little Fishing Creek in a quiet, forested section.
If you have a taste for fine wine, be sure to sample the sweet varieties crafted at Colonel Ricketts Hard Cider. This delightful Appalachian-style cider is set in the mountains and lets you enjoy the views simultaneously as you sip your glass.
Final Thought
Whether you want a break from the chaotic atmosphere in the city or a lovely rural community to spend your ensuing weekend vacation, these charismatic small towns in Pennsylvania have what it takes to make you fall in love with the countryside of the United States. From New Hope's Riverside charm to Jim Thorpe's forested splendor, their quiet and slow pace of life allows you to disconnect from reality for a minute and make the most of life's simple pleasures.
